By Christian Coffman

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — In Memorial Park Wednesday, Olivia Jones chased her 4-year-old daughter, Vivian, through the green grass in the park, as Vivian darted between the budding trees and climbed on monuments.

The scene was not unusual, not unfamiliar to most children and their parents — a typical spring day in the park.

Unlike many children, however, Vivian became noticeably winded after only a short time playing. The condition is something with which she has become familiar in her relatively short life.

At her newborn screening Vivian was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis — a disorder caused by a defective gene that causes a thick buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. She was also born with hip dysplasia and wore a cast for the first six months of her life.   

“She was malnourished for the first year, but since then she’s done extremely well given the circumstances,” Jones said. “It was difficult, being single mom.”

Jones said Vivian receives breathing vest treatments twice a day. The machine pats her chest to brake up mucus. Vivian must also take enzyme pills before every meal and receives albuterol treatments, which are designed to treat wheezing and shortness of breath.   

Despite difficulties with Vivian’s health, Jones said the bond between she and Vivian is stronger than ever.

“All parents love their children, but there’s a difference when you know your child could be in danger every time they get sick,” Jones said. “It’s a unique relationship, especially being as young as I am. I was only 21 when she was diagnosed, so we kind of grew up together with it.”

Jones said Vivian’s teachers at Cathedral Elementary School say  she does a great job and she loves playing with her friends. Vivian is also close to her cousin and enjoys walks with her mother.

Vivian and her mother also like to play with one another.

“She likes putting on makeup with me; we like painting our nails, and Vivian just likes being a little girl,” Jones said.

At the behest of people close to her, Jones applied for a wish for Vivian from Make-A-Wish, which treated Jones and Vivian to a trip to Disney World this month.

Jones said during the trip the family felt like they were in their own little world away from Natchez.   

“It was almost a surreal experience,” Jones said. “It was nice to get away from the realities, but Natchez is home, and it will always feel safe.”

Jones said Vivian enjoyed the trip so much that she has asked where her own castle is every day since they returned.

“The flying Dumbo ride was Vivian’s favorite, and she dressed as Anna (from the film ‘Frozen’) every day we were there,” Jones said. “When Vivian got to meet Elsa (from ‘Frozen’), the look on her face made me cry. There’s nothing I would have traded for that moment.”